Five people killed on R71 accident in Limpopo

Five people tragically lost their lives in an accident after a red Polo plunged off a bridge and caught fire along the R71 road near the JCI mine outside Gravelotte, Limpopo on Saturday.

The vehicle, allegedly travelling from Phalaborwa and heading towards Gravelotte. He veered off the bridge and landed below before bursting into flames. Some of the deceased are suspected to have been hitchhikers.

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The vehicle burned beyond recognition, making it difficult for authorities to immediately identify the victims. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene and worked to extinguish the fire and recover remains from the wreckage.

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Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to confirm the number and identities of the victims.

Emergency services responded to the scene, but all five occupants were declared dead. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Motorists are urged to be extra cautious when driving along the R71 due to the accident.

Families have been urged to check on their loved ones who may have been travelling along that route. This is a developing story, more details will be provided as they become available.

MEC for Transport and Community Safety Susani Violet Mathye has conveyed her condolences. Preliminary reports also indicated that a mechanical fault might be the cause of the accident.

“On behalf of the Department and people of Limpopo, I wish to convey sincere condolences to the next of kin of those whose lives perished,” said MEC Mathye.

“We have just emerged from a no-fatality weekend along the N1, and we can still do it along all our roads.”